Bengals choose Cedric Benson for Ed Block Courage Award

Posted by Michael David Smith on December 28, 2010, 11:27 AM EST

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In a move that will surely raise some eyebrows, the Cincinnati Bengals have chosen Cedric Benson as this year’s winner of their Ed Block Courage Award, which goes to NFL players who have shown “commitment to the values of sportsmanship and courage.”

As opposed to, you know, honoring a player who never got into legal trouble in the first place.

In fairness to Benson, however, although he has been arrested three times during his NFL career, his off-field problems haven’t risen to nearly the level of Vick or Stallworth, both of whom are convicted felons. And just about everyone in the Bengals organization has spoken highly of Benson this year.

“Cedric is respected by the players, coaches, and staff, given the way he approaches his job as an NFL running back,” said Paul Sparling, the Bengals’ head athletic trainer, in a statement released by the team. “He overcame a serious ankle injury while in Chicago and after being out of football for a time, focused his effort and energies into being a positive and productive member of the Bengals. He is a professional in every sense of the word.”

Benson has started all 15 games for the Bengals and has rushed for 1,058 yards.

Im sorry, but I dont get the negative comments for a player receiving this award. It’s an award voted on by his teammates, they can bloody vote for whoever they want.

Plus it shows how well a player is with their teammates and hopefully positively influences them further. It’s impressive that a person convicted of manslaughter is respected by his teammates. It’s impressive that a man who ran an underground dogfighting ring and spent time in prison was respected by his teammates.. BEFORE he became a league MVP candidate.

What we think because we read a blog post once a day means NOTHING. The players spend every day with these people.. every single day.. dont you think they have a better idea on their character than we do?

JSpicoli says:Dec 28, 2010 11:58 AM

America, where success is now measured by how far you have come back from your hideous transgressions.

dallasbaby says:Dec 28, 2010 12:18 PM

Dear, dear. I wonder what the talking heads will make of this one. Good job Cedric.

taudaddy79 says:Dec 28, 2010 12:28 PM

And to celebrate Ced plans on taking a few bong rips and having a couple beers, then maybe some boating and getting pepper sprayed.